Affecting everyone from college kids to Wall Street bankers, Adderall abuse has become a growing epidemic with dangerous consequences. With powerful stimulants as active ingredients, the risk of addiction and dependence are genuine, yet many don’t fully understand the physical and mental withdrawal symptoms that those addicted may experience.
This article will detail the dangers of abusing Adderall and why it is essential to not stop Adderall cold turkey but to seek professional help to ensure safe withdrawal and recovery.
A Brief Overview of Adderall
Adderall and Adderall XR are stimulant drugs prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It contains four primary active ingredients: dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. These amphetamines are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that can cause a surge of energy, increased alertness and concentration, and decreased appetite.
For these results, college students often abuse Adderall to study for long hours or perform better on tests.
Adderall addiction can happen quickly, and when the drug is abruptly stopped due to lack of availability or a conscious decision to quit, Adderall withdrawal, like any stimulant withdrawal, can cause immense distress.
Why Is Adderall Addictive?
Adderall is a potent drug. Its effects on the brain can create intense euphoria. This rewarding feeling triggers a release of dopamine. After a while, the user begins to rely on Adderall to reach that same state of pleasure, and dependence can become an addiction. And uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms result when they stop using Adderall.
For college students, Adderall can boost work productivity and help them stay up late. This can create a false sense of achievement, and it’s easy to see how the drug can be misused in this situation.
Because of its highly addictive nature, Adderall is a Schedule II drug with a high potential for abuse and physical or psychological dependence.
Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Addiction
Like most substance abuse, signs of addiction to Adderall are not always obvious. Some common symptoms may include the following:
- Increased tolerance
- Lying or secretive behavior
- Social isolation and withdrawal from activities once enjoyed
- Unsuccessful attempts to quit using the drug
- Mood swings and irritability
- Using Adderall for longer than prescribed
- Persistent financial problems related to buying the drug
- Trouble sleeping
- Doctor shopping, i.e., trying to find multiple doctors to prescribe Adderall
When you or a loved one are exhibiting any of these signs, immediately seek help from a medical professional or an addiction specialist. Drug abuse can rapidly get out of hand.
Physical dependence can require Adderall detox. La Hacienda is experienced in helping a person detox from Adderall.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
Physical symptoms of withdrawal in Adderall addiction vary from mild to very severe and can even be life-threatening in some cases. Once the drug wears off, a person can expect withdrawal symptoms.
The physical symptoms immediately begin to appear and can include the following:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Dry mouth
- Increased blood pressure
- Blurred vision
The psychological symptoms that withdrawal causes are often more pronounced than the physical ones. These may include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Agitation or restlessness
- Paranoia or psychotic episodes
- Suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness
Sometimes, these psychological withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that the individual is at risk of harming themselves or others.
Adderall Withdrawal Timeline
There is no set Adderall withdrawal timeline, and the symptoms of withdrawal as well as the duration of the process varies from person to person.
Understanding the Adderall withdrawal process
6 to 36 hours after the last dose:
After the last dose of Adderall, it is common to experience sensations such as weariness, exhaustion, a low mood state, and feelings of sadness or depression. These intense withdrawal symptoms may appear gradually over time, beginning only several hours after taking the dosage.
Three to five days after:
Symptoms may be incredibly intense during this period, including debilitating fatigue and overwhelming depression. Headaches and nightmares may also develop.
A week after stopping:
After about five to seven days, one should notice the withdrawal symptoms beginning to subside as your mood and motivation improve. Although feelings of depression may remain stronger than usual for a few more days, they will eventually dissipate.
Some people may feel severe withdrawal symptoms for weeks, but this is more common for people who have abused Adderall for a long time. Professional medical help is recommended in such cases.
Treatment for Adderall Misuse, Abuse, and Addiction
There are no quick-fix solutions for treating Adderall addiction. Quitting Adderall cold turkey is never a safe or advised option. Because Adderall withdrawal symptoms can be severe, it is best to seek help from trained medical professionals and an addiction specialist.
If you or your loved one is considering getting help, here are possible treatment methods.
Therapy
Therapy is often cited as the most effective treatment for Adderall addiction, as no medications are specially designed for it. There are various types of therapy available:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Can help to evaluate the root causes of why someone has developed an Adderall problem.
- Group therapy: Provides supports mutual understanding among those struggling with addiction.
- Psychotherapy: Teaches how to control harmful behaviors due to excess stress caused by addiction and manage everyday challenges positively.
- Family counseling: Allows for the collective influence that’s necessary to conquer uncharacterized themes promoted by addiction.
- Addiction education: Provides addicted individuals and their families with the knowledge of factual evidence needed to develop healthier coping mechanisms against recurrent addictions.
La Hacienda Addiction Center
Addiction rehabilitation centers like La Hacienda Treatment Center offer a comprehensive treatment plan which includes managing withdrawal symptoms in an inpatient treatment setting.
Those who require medical detox can stop taking the drug under medical supervision with support as they go through Adderall withdrawal in a safe and secure environment.
Patients also have access to a 24/7 nursing staff, daily on-campus doctor visits, and support from addiction specialists and therapists who help create goals for long-term recovery.
Finding the Right Adderall Detox and Treatment Center
FIndng the right Adderall detox and rehab center is ideal for getting the help and support you need during Adderall withdrawal. Below are some steps to help find the best treatment center for Adderall misuse and abuse.
1. Check Their Credentials and Experience
Before choosing a specific treatment center, check that it has earned accreditation from an appropriate credentialing board or government authority. Knowing they have met this professional standard will further guarantee that your treatment is of the highest caliber.
Take the time to review the facility’s credentials and the staff’s level of experience before initiating any course of care.
At La Hacienda we welcome questions about our national accreditations, insurance preferred provider contracts, and the training and experience of all our healthcare professionals.
2. Ask About Their Treatment Methodology
Find out what therapies they offer and if they align with your needs. If possible, request a comprehensive list of their services and ask if they offer any special programs that you believe may be beneficial.
It’s also important to inquire about their methods for treating Adderall withdrawal. A good facility will be able to explain how they plan to help manage withdrawal symptoms and help a patient to develop the coping skills necessary to remain sober.
At La Hacienda we are glad to speak with the patient and their family members. We understand there are treatment options and you want to choose the right facility. We believe in lasting recovery and can handle extremely difficult cases.
3. Consider Your Comfort Level
When selecting a rehab center, it’s essential to consider your comfort level and needs regarding your treatment process. Considering factors such as the size of a facility, its location, services, amenities, and payment options.
Be sure to explore all potential options before deciding on the best rehab center for Adderall withdrawal or abuse.
La Hacienda is contracted as an in-network provider for most insurance companies. We understand the criteria to enter detox and further the continuum of care. We are transparent in how this works and welcome all questions.
4. Speak with an Expert
If you are unsure which rehab center is the best fit for you or a loved one, it’s advisable to speak with an addiction treatment expert who can help guide you in making the right decision.
They will be able to assess your needs and advise on which facility would offer the most beneficial services and support for your situation.
If you would like a referral to a local clinician or interventionist in your area, we are in touch with industry professionals nationwide and will gladly help you find one near you.
Conclusion
Adderall addiction should never be taken lightly or treated as a “rite of passage” to college success. It’s a powerful substance that can lead to long-term issues, including physical and mental health complications.
If you or a loved one is experiencing Adderall addiction, please contact La Hacienda today. Our facility features medical detox, on-site medical care, and residential therapeutic treatment on a private campus in Hunt, Texas.
Sources:
https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-adderall-withdrawal-3572393/
https://www.healthline.com/health/adderall-addiction#diagnosis
https://drugabuse.com/stimulants/adderall/
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/stimulant-use-disorder/how-to-help-someone-addicted-to-adderall
